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Kenya and Somalia Wednesday endorsed the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to commence in January 2025. The mission will replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), marking a crucial transition in Somalia’s stabilization efforts.
The endorsement came during a two-day diplomatic visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Kenya, where he held high-level talks with President William Ruto. The discussions, which took place from October 21 to 22, 2024, focused on strengthening the partnership between the two neighboring nations and advancing regional security. President Mohamud’s visit to Nairobi was a follow-up to an invitation extended by President Ruto.
Central to the talks was the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM. Both leaders stressed the importance of ensuring that the changeover is seamless and well-resourced, with President Ruto calling for sufficient international funding to support the new mission. This support is expected to be bolstered by the recently adopted United Nations Resolution 2719, which could provide much-needed financial and logistical backing.
The two presidents also reiterated the importance of reinforcing the Somali Security Forces (SSF) and supporting the Somali Security Development Plan. Both leaders appealed to the international community to help fund and facilitate the transition, emphasizing the necessity of strong, well-equipped Somali security forces in maintaining stability in the country, which has faced decades of conflict and terrorism. President Ruto affirmed Kenya’s continued commitment to Somalia’s stabilization and rebuilding efforts. He acknowledged that a peaceful Somalia is not only crucial for its citizens but also vital for the broader region’s peace and security, especially amid global shifts in governance and geopolitical alliances.
Kenya has played a significant role in Somalia’s peace processes. The Kenya Defence Forces, operating alongside Somali troops and other ATMIS-contributing countries, have been on the front lines in the fight against the al-Shabaab terrorist group. President Mohamud expressed deep gratitude to Kenya for its support, commending the Kenyan troops’ efforts in restoring peace in Somalia, often at great personal cost.
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